Senate Panel Oks Heckler As Envoy

Heckler allegedly had difficulties with Donald Regan, the White House chief of staff, and was convinced by President Reagan to leave her post as secretary of Health and Human Services to take the ambassadorship.

Heckler, who previously served in the U.S. House from Massachusetts, is expected to be confirmed by the full Senate this week.

President Reagan has nominated Otis Bowen, former Republican governor of Indiana, to succeed Heckler as secretary of Health and Human Services.

Other nominees unanimously approved by the committee:

(BU) Charles Horner of the District of Columbia as associate director of the U.S. Information Agency.

(BU) Rockwell Schnabel of California as ambassador to Finland.

(BU) John Upston of Virginia as ambassador to Rwanda.

(BU) Michael Mobbs of the District of Columbia as an assistant director of strategic programs in the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency.

(BU) Fred Hartley of California to the rank of ambassador while serving as commissioner general of the U.S. Exhibition for the International Exposition in Canada in 1986.